It's only a matter of time before all Apple computers have Retina displays. If it doesn't happen with the Airs this year, it probably will next year. When that happens, I agree with those who think that Apple will consolidate its laptop line to 11", 13", and 15" models. The 11" and 13" models will have integrated GPUs, and the 15" will have a dedicated GPU, just like now. Integrated GPUs will be fast enough for all but hard-core gaming and heavy 3D modeling. Many argue that the HD4000 is already fast enough for the vast majority of users. Otherwise, with an all-Retina lineup, there won't be much to differentiate a 13" MBA from a 13" MBP, other than ports.

Oh, and I want to be able to have one in my hands before my trip in mid-July. You got all that, Apple?

Don't think that's going to happen. The ULV chips that the Air uses most likely aren't being updated to Haswell until later this year, they aren't coming with the first wave of Haswell chips in June/July.

Don't think that's going to happen. The ULV chips that the Air uses most likely aren't being updated to Haswell until later this year, they aren't coming with the first wave of Haswell chips in June/July.

Yeah. I read the article posted recently predicting Q3 2013 release, so it looks like I'll be making do with my old laptop for a little bit longer.

Hasn't Apple received chipsets earlier than the official release in the past? I know it's not likely to happen though...

Here's a quick mockup of how I think the 2013 Air may look, with the antiglare glass screen (but not necessarily retina resolution):

Count me out - no way do I want a fragile glass screen on my Air. I like 'em tough the way they are. The Air is built for work and travel - the way it should be.

The only compromise I could think of is less bezel around the display - either a smaller footprint or a bigger screen. A 12"-13" screen in a current 11"-sized body would be nice. A bit like the current rMBP, only thinner, with no glass.

The only compromise I could think of is less bezel around the display - either a smaller footprint or a bigger screen. A 12"-13" screen in a current 11"-sized body would be nice. A bit like the current rMBP, only thinner, with no glass.

The 12" PowerBook was my favourite laptop ever, and I wish they still made something in that size.

Count me out - no way do I want a fragile glass screen on my Air. I like 'em tough the way they are. The Air is built for work and travel - the way it should be.

The only compromise I could think of is less bezel around the display - either a smaller footprint or a bigger screen. A 12"-13" screen in a current 11"-sized body would be nice. A bit like the current rMBP, only thinner, with no glass.

The Air screen already has a glass layer. Pretty much all LCDs do. The Air's glass just stops at the edges of the screen, with an aluminum bezel in between. The RMBP design takes that same LCD glass and extends it to the edge of the display. Going to the glass bezel wouldn't be adding glass, it would just be removing the extra piece of aluminum.

Agreed on the footprint thing. I don't think that the 11" Air can get any smaller because of the keyboard, but perhaps it could get a slightly larger display.

It seems weird that the 13" RMBP has a smaller footprint than the 13" Air as well.

Going to the extended-glass bezel should actually help them shrink the bezels around the screen.

Maybe we'll get 12" and 14" Airs to go alongside the 13" and 15" MBPs?

You're right about the LCD screens. But correct me if I'm wrong, don't the MacBook Pros have an extra layer of glossy glass over their screen? Whatever it is, I don't like it.

The non-retina ones do. The new retina ones do not have an extra glass layer, it's just the existing LCD glass extended to the edge of the bezel. The result is a lot less reflection/glare than the previous MBP glossy/glass screens.

The Chromebook has an Air-class processor, but it's heavier and has worse battery life than the 13" Air. I don't see Apple making those same tradeoffs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andreasx95

Sounds true.
Apple needs to compete with the Google laptops, so a Retina display sounds promising. Would this take much of the battery life?

Well they probably redesigned the logic board completely, plus Haswell and then IGZO, I think IGZO (major battery life improvement) is not ready for devices all across the board but now probably enough for Air, I think it would be fitting to redesign Air like that since its due for a refresh, I'm expecting even thinner/lighter Air this time round.

Now that Google has an Air-like laptop with a retina type of resolution, I think we'll see retina Air this year

That chromebook pixel is closer to the retina pro than any air I have seen.

What are the odds of apple unifying their laptop line so we have only retina versions? I mean, honestly, what's the difference between a retina pro vs retina air? Both lack cd-drives, use soldered ram and ssd, same processors...???

Hey, obviously you have no idea how computers work because none of the things you listed make sense. They don't just increase the numbers by 1 when they upgrade the older technologies, usually they'll give an entirely new name or jump by 10 at least.

Hey, obviously you have no idea how computers work because none of the things you listed make sense. They don't just increase the numbers by 1 when they upgrade the older technologies, usually they'll give an entirely new name or jump by 10 at least.

Irony is the word you should google out

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Quote:

Originally Posted by washburn

Well they probably redesigned the logic board completely, plus Haswell and then IGZO, I think IGZO (major battery life improvement) is not ready for devices all across the board but now probably enough for Air, I think it would be fitting to redesign Air like that since its due for a refresh, I'm expecting even thinner/lighter Air this time round.

Igzo tech has not been tested, i dont believe apples first igzo product will be air... They will pribably use smaller igzo displays firstly

There is a chance apple will use new 7 watt ivy bridge processors for this year upgrade and haswell processors for the next year. Intel notebook haswell processors won't come until late Q3 or early Q4 and apple can't afford to go into back to school season without upgraded air.

That chromebook pixel is closer to the retina pro than any air I have seen.

pixel resolution: 12.85″
air resolution: 13.3"

this makes it more like the Air along with everything else Google made out the pixel to be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abazigal

are the odds of apple unifying their laptop line so we have only retina versions? I mean, honestly, what's the difference between a retina pro vs retina air? Both lack cd-drives, use soldered ram and ssd, same processors...???